Andrew had asked Kean to drop by after the dinner if he could because he’d asked Kendal to stay overnight and wanted Kean with them. It wasn’t that they couldn’t see one of the others outside of their triad, but he wanted them to get through the initial relationship stage together so none of them felt out of the loop. But it looked like there might be more couple dates than triad dates in their future. That was one thing he hadn’t expected.

  Staring at the paperwork he had yet to complete, his thoughts turned again to his treasonous family, not that they were ever far from them. Where was Charlotte, and why was she so quiet? The truth of the law was shocking for her, but was it enough to stop her from trying? Did he have the chance to sway her back to his side? Did he want to?

  It certainly would be easier to keep track of her if she was helping him rather than working against him, but would he be able to trust her?

  No, he wouldn’t. But she didn’t know that. He could be persuasive when he needed to be.

  He picked up the phone. It rang and rang without even stopping for the voicemail. Was that on purpose? He tried again. Same thing. Was she screening the calls? He tried twice more, but nothing changed.

  He rubbed his hand over his beard. If he wanted to talk to her, it looked like he’d need to visit her. Not that his security team would be happy with that, but they’d have to deal with it. He needed to find out what her plans were, and if that meant going straight to the source, then he would.

  But not today. He inhaled and set to finishing the paperwork that Randall needed, then strode from the office.

  “Randall, I’m done today. I can’t concentrate anymore. If there’s anything urgent, though, I’ll be in my suite.”

  “I’m sure it can wait until tomorrow, Your Majesty. Have a good evening.”

  “You, too.”

  Dominic settled into step behind him, but Andrew’s mind settled on his lovers. It was strange to use the word lovers, even if it was true. It didn’t have a strong enough connotation for him, but until he could think of something better, it would have to do.

  He entered his suite, a smile immediately stretching across his face when Kendal glanced up at him. The door closed of its own accord – probably Dominic – and Andrew took Kendal into his arms, holding them tightly. He buried his face into Kendal’s neck, inhaling deeply and sighing it out again.

  “You’re very tense today. Has it been a rough one?” Kendal asked, rubbing Andrew’s back.

  “It’s had its moments.”

  Andrew lifted his head, taking in every inch of Kendal’s blemish-free skin. “Thanks for being here, my sweet.”

  “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

  Andrew lowered his mouth to theirs, pressing their warm lips together in a chaste kiss that didn’t stay that way for long. The moment their skin touched, fire burned through him in a way that hadn’t happened for years. He’d thought he was too old to feel the sexual need so acutely, but he did. He traced Kendal’s lips with his tongue, and when they opened to him, he explored every crevice. Every groan, moan and whimper he drew from them was another streak of fire through him until he’d thought he’d combust.

  Dragging his mouth away from them was pure torture, but they both needed to breathe.

  “God, Kendal. You make me burn,” he murmured, clasping them as they regained their breath.

  Kendal huffed against his chest. “You and Kean both make me yearn for more than I ever expected to again. It’s crazy!”

  “Maybe the three of us are crazy. It would make sense.”

  Kendal peered up at him. “We’re not crazy for loving you, Andrew. We’re crazy in love with you.”

  Andrew stared at them. They were in love with him? But it was so soon. How can they know… He stopped his train of thought. They knew their own minds and bodies. If they believed they were in love with him, who was he to argue? His feelings for them had stretched for longer than he wanted to admit, but he would. Because they needed to hear it. Though Kean’s would have to wait.

  “You stole my breath the moment you looked into my eyes at Quinn’s house.” Kendal’s mouth gaped. “Louisa knew. When I started helping you, she knew.” He huffed a laugh. “But she knew I wouldn’t do anything about it. And I never would have if she hadn’t…”

  It was probably why she’d pushed him towards them all the time. Truthfully, he’d known exactly what she meant in her letter, but he hadn’t let himself believe she could let him off the hook so easily. She knew him better than anyone, though, and she was just as selfless in death as she was alive.

  “She was a wonderful woman,” Kendal said, snuggling into his chest again.

  “She was.” He kissed their head. “What would you like to do after dinner?”

  Kendal peered up at him again, cheeks flushing. “I can think of a couple of things, but I think a movie might be nice. Kean might be able to get away and join us.”

  “Hopefully, he will.” Andrew pulled away a little. “I think what we need first is a shower.”

  Kendal laughed. “Why? Do I stink?”

  Andrew reached for them, but Kendal danced out of reach. “No, but your backside will smart if you’re not careful.”

  “Promises, promises.”

  Kendal headed for the bedroom, and Andrew followed, smiling at the light both Kendal and Kean had brought him. With them, he felt like he could do anything, even if his fear for them was just as strong. He loved that Kendal was as strong-willed and opinionated outside of the bedroom as they were submissive inside of it. And as for Kean, he could play both submissive and dominant roles perfectly.

  They fit. The three of them were perfect as if they were pieces of a jigsaw. And Andrew couldn’t wait for Kean to join them so Andrew could show them both exactly how well they could fit together.

  ****

  Chapter 15

  Kean

  The dinner request—or rather, order—had come out of the blue. Kean had been looking forward to spending the evening with Andrew and Kendal, but his father had insisted he join them. With a heavy heart, Kean dressed in a suit and descended the stairs, pasting a fake smile on his face before he entered the room.

  “Ah, there he is!” his father said, holding his arm out in invitation for Kean to join them. Dante clapped him on the back, slid his arm around his shoulder and squeezed. “Almost finished his course now. He’ll be with us in no time.”

  The pride in his father’s voice did little to stop Kean from grimacing internally. As a child, he’d always wanted praise from him, but now, when everything was so fragile, he was beginning to see what Andrew had been implying for months—Kean didn’t want to join the construction business. But how could he break the news to his father?

  Tonight was not the night, regardless.

  “Kean, I’d like to introduce my son, Ezekiel,” his father’s partner, Ted, said. “I’m sure you two will have lots to talk about, what with being the next generation of construction moguls.” Ted laughed, and Kean huffed a laugh, unable to muster any more enthusiasm because he’d just realised what this was.

  A blind date.

  Fuck!

  “Zeke, please, Father,” Ezekiel—Zeke—amended.

  Ted held up his hands. “Sorry! Not like we didn’t name you or anything.” Ted sighed and glanced at Dante. “Shall we leave them to talk?”

  Dante clapped Kean on the back again. “Don’t spend all night talking business now, you hear?”

  Dante led Ted away, laughing, and Kean sighed quietly.

  “Yeah, you got that vibe, too?” Zeke said, staring after their parents.

  Kean glanced at him. “Sorry?”

  “I’m gay. You’re gay. We both work for the same company. What a boon for them if we were to become a couple,” Zeke snorted. Kean choked on nothing, and Zeke laughed again. “Let’s get you a drink. I think we both need loosening up to deal with this clusterfuck.”

  Kean didn’t say anything as they chose a different table full of drinks from where their parents were. Zeke handed Kean a glass.

  “I have no idea what this is, but we need it.” Zeke knocked the drink back and grimaced. “Expensive, but shit.”

  Kean stared at him before a bite of laughter escaped him. There was no way he would ever date that man, but he was funny if nothing else. Kean held out his hand. “Kean Seymour, nice to meet you.”

  “Zeke Greenfield.”

  “So, you’re gay. I wonder why it’s taken them so long to get us in a room together?” Kean said. His eyes widened as his words registered. “Not that I mean…” He stopped and held his breath.

  Zeke chuckled, deepening the laughter lines around his eyes. “I know. To be honest, I’ve only just come out to him. I’ve been out and proud for years, but he either ignored it or finally sees the benefit of having a gay son.” Zeke shook his head and glanced in his father’s direction. “I’m betting on the latter, hence my attendance tonight.”

  Kean bit his lip. “Just to clear the air, as much as you seem like a nice guy, I’m not available. My father doesn’t know that, though.”

  Zeke grinned at him. “Glad to hear it. You’re not my type, anyway. No offence. The twinkier, the better for me.”

  “Good to know. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you.”

  “Thank you, kind sir.” Zeke glanced over his shoulder again. “How about we play the game tonight? It’ll make things easier for us, and we can get to know one another without the need to worry about later. What do you say?”

  Kean smiled. “Sounds like a plan.” He held out his arm. “Shall I escort you to your seat?”

  “Thank you, Mr Seymour.” Kean shuddered, and Zeke noticed. “Not a fan of your father’s name?” he murmured.

  “Not really,” Kean answered honestly.

  “We’re far more alike than I realised.”

  They sat at the far end of the table, furthest from their parents, with other partners and board members between them, and as far as Kean was concerned, had one of the best “work” dinners he’d ever had. Even when his mother was carefully led away from the table, her legs barely able to hold her up, it didn’t dampen his mood. If Zeke noticed, he didn’t say anything.

  When the evening came to a close, later than Kean had intended, Zeke approached him.

  “Would it be too forward to ask for your number?” Zeke asked.

  Kean frowned. Why would he need his number when they had already agreed they wouldn’t be going further?

  “Trust me,” Zeke whispered.

  Kean entered the number into Zeke’s phone, and Zeke’s fingers flew across the screen. Kean felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out.

  UNKNOWN: Now you have my number, too. I’m hoping we can be friends. We can ‘beard’ for each other if we need to. Z.

  Kean chuckled and closed his phone. “Sounds like a plan.”

  “I’m well known for my good plans.” Zeke winked. He leaned in and hugged Kean, whispering, “Nice to meet you, friend.”

  “You, too. Safe journey home.”

  Zeke waved as he left with his father, and Dante stopped beside Kean.

  “You two looked like you got along well. It will be good for the company.”

  The weight that had lifted from his shoulders during Zeke’s presence fell back onto him again with added pounds.

  “He’s a good man,” Kean said.

  “You could do a lot worse,” Dante said. He stared at Kean. “Don’t mess it up.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  Dante studied him for a moment longer. “Get some rest.”

  “I’m going out.”

  “What about your studies?” Dante frowned at him.

  “All completed and sent.” Kean had busted his ass to get the work done that day so he could spend the evening with Andrew and Kendal and, instead, had to waste time with his father’s business. Although, he’d met Zeke, so it wasn’t all bad.

  “Okay. Don’t stay out too late. You have more to do tomorrow, no doubt.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  Kean didn’t wait to see if his father would demand anything else of him that evening and left the house, climbing into his car. He didn’t stop for clothes or anything else. He just left.

  It was almost midnight. He wasn’t sure if either of them would still be awake, but he needed to see them all the same. He could sneak into bed if he had to, staring at them like a creeper before succumbing to sleep. But he couldn’t spend any more time away from them tonight.

  Once he’d parked the car, he entered Windsor Castle, quietly wandering the hallways until he reached the king’s suite. Colt was stationed outside, and he smiled and nodded at Kean.

  “Is he inside?”

  “They are, yes,” Colt said, answering Kean’s unasked question.

  “Thanks.”

  Kean let himself inside, closing the door behind him as quietly as possible. No one was in the living room area, so he headed for the bedroom. The door was ajar, and he peeked through before slipping through the gap and shutting that door, too.

  They were both asleep. Andrew held Kendal back to chest, his arms around them, and Kean smiled at the picture. He wished he could take one to show them what they looked like, but he would never take the risk.

  Instead of joining them, he headed for the bathroom, closing himself inside so he didn’t disturb them during his shower. He shampooed his hair and washed the suds clear, then jumped when arms slid around his waist.

  “Did you have a good evening, sweetheart?” Andrew murmured, nosing against Kean’s jaw.

  Kean tilted his head, giving him more access, and closed his eyes. “Sorry if I disturbed you. I was trying to be quiet.”

  “I’m glad I heard you. I didn’t want to miss your arrival.” Andrew sucked Kean’s earlobe. “But you didn’t answer my question.”

  Kean’s mind pulled him back from the edge of bliss to concentrate on Andrew’s words. “Um…yeah, it was good. I met a new friend. I think Father’s intentions were for us to become a couple, but neither of us wanted that.”

  Andrew’s arms had tightened, and Kean hid his smile at the possessive gesture. “Who?”

  “Zeke Greenfield. He’s the son of one of my father’s partners. Luckily, we’re not each other’s type, though he’s a nice guy. He made the evening more bearable.”

  Andrew reached for the soap and washed Kean’s body. “Then I’m glad you have him.”

  Kean let himself be manhandled and cleaned, loving being taken care of as much as he loved to take care of others. There was nowhere else he’d rather be than there.

  “How is Kendal?” he asked.

  “Let their ass tell you the story of their smart-ass remarks,” Andrew growled, and Kean chuckled.

  “I’m sorry I missed that.”

  “You’ll have more chances, I’m sure.” Andrew kissed Kean’s knees and stood, pressing his lips to Kean’s for the first time that evening.

  Kean slid his arms around Andrew’s neck and held on for dear life as Andrew reacquainted himself with Kean’s mouth. Kean would happily let him take as long as he needed. As Andrew’s tongue explored his mouth, Kean held nothing back. He allowed his king, his lover, his…boyfriend to take everything Kean offered. The groins rested against each other, their cocks hard, but they didn’t go further.

  When Andrew pulled back, Kean followed, his brain misfiring completely. Andrew chuckled and switched off the shower.

  “Let’s get you dry.”

  Andrew wrapped a large towel around him and dried him off, waiting until Kean was ready before drying himself. Then he grabbed Kean’s hand and dragged him to the bedroom. Kendal had moved onto their stomach, and Andrew held up the covers for Kean to slide in.

  “I’ll go to the other side,” Kean whispered.

  “No. You’ve been without us for long enough. Let us surround you now,” Andrew murmured.

  Kean bit his lip, but Andrew nodded towards the bed again. He slipped between the covers and closer to Kendal while Andrew climbed in behind him. Kean didn’t want to disturb Kendal, but Andrew had no qualms. He reached over Kean and skimmed his fingers over Kendal’s back.

  “Hmm.” Kendal moved their head towards them but didn’t move otherwise.

  “Kendal, my sweet. Kean’s back,” Andrew crooned.

  Kendal snuffled and rolled to their side, blinking sleepily at them. Their smile lit up the room. “Kean,” they murmured. They slid closer and burrowed their head in Kean’s chest, and Kean’s heart skipped.

  “Hey, you. Go back to sleep now, okay?” Kean slid his arm around them.

  “Mmhmm.”

  Kean smiled and settled in, enjoying the warmth at his front and back. He hadn’t realised how much he needed it, but Andrew had, hadn’t he? He was more observant than most people gave him credit for.

  “Thank you,” he whispered to Andrew.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

  Kean had thought he’d stay awake for a while, but he couldn’t remember doing so if he did. The next moment, gentle kisses on his chest woke him, and he smiled with his eyes closed.

  “Morning,” he murmured. He opened one eye. “It is morning, isn’t it?”

  “It is,” a rumble said from behind him. “A little earlier than usual, but someone was eager for what I promised them last night.”

  Kean rolled his head to the side, blinking at Andrew, seeing the lazy smile curving his lips. “And what did you promise the little minx?”

  “A morning of debauchery.”

  Kean feigned shock. “We can’t! It’s a work day.”

  Andrew’s lips twitched. “We have time.”

  Kean rested one hand on Kendal’s head, which was lowering with every kiss, and reached one up to cup the back of Andrew’s neck, pulling him closer for a kiss. He gasped into Andrew’s mouth when Kendal wrapped their lips around his cock. The suction was pure torture, and when Andrew sucked on Kean’s tongue, he knew he needed more. He wanted them to be together, fully together. Kendal licked, sucked and stroked his shaft until Kean’s head spun.